No traditional Boxing Day meets to be held this year

Hunts are following strict protocols and do not want to encourage crowds

- CATHERINE AUSTEN

TRADITIONAL Boxing Day meets will not take place in the normal format this year owing to the impact of coronavirus.

Hunts are planning – subject to any further or relevant Government guidance at the time – to move their hunting activities away from the public spaces, such as town squares and marketplaces where they usually congregate, to more rural locations instead.

More than a quarter of a million people usually support Boxing Day meets but, like so many other outdoor activities also operating in accordance with the Covid legislation, this year trailhunting activities on Boxing Day will be behind closed doors.

“Those who want to participate are, of course, still welcome providing they comply with each hunt’s strict protocols to ensure the hunt can continue to operate in a Covid-secure manner,” said Countryside Alliance head of hunting Polly Portwin.